Global Issues in Citizenship – SS3 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Global issues are problems that cross borders and affect many countries. Terrorism, migration and climate change are three examples that affect Nigeria directly. This lesson explains what each issue is, how it affects Nigeria, how the three are connected, and what Nigerian citizens can do about them.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what global issues are and why they matter to Nigeria;
• define terrorism, migration and climate change, and state their causes and effects;
• describe how the three issues are connected;
• state Nigeria’s role in addressing each issue;
• list actions citizens can take on each issue.

What are global issues?

Nigeria’s problems are not only Nigeria’s responsibility. Today the world is connected, and what happens in one country affects others. Global issues are problems that cross borders and affect multiple nations.

Climate change in China affects Nigeria’s weather. Terrorism in Mali affects Nigeria’s security. Migration from poor countries affects rich countries. A virus in one country spreads to many. Economic crisis in America affects businesses in Nigeria.

Why should Nigerians care about global issues?

Some people say, “We have enough problems in Nigeria, so why worry about the world?” Global issues affect Nigeria directly:

1. Global issues create refugees and migrants who come to Nigeria. When there is war or poor conditions elsewhere, people flee to Nigeria.
2. Nigeria’s economy depends on the world. If the world economy is unstable, Nigeria struggles. If oil prices fall (oil is Nigeria’s main export), our economy suffers.
3. Global issues like climate change affect Nigeria’s agriculture, water and environment.
4. Terrorism affects our security. Boko Haram began in north-east Nigeria and later developed links with international extremist networks.
5. As a large African nation, Nigeria has a responsibility to engage with global issues. We must be part of global solutions.

Global issue 1: what is terrorism?

Nigeria knows terrorism. Terrorism is when groups use violence and fear to achieve political goals. Terrorists attack civilians, destroy property and kill people to spread terror and make a point.

In Nigeria, we have experienced terrorism through Boko Haram, which started in the north-east. They have killed thousands, kidnapped children and displaced millions. The effects have been devastating.

Why does terrorism happen?

Terrorism has roots:

• Some groups believe their religious or political views are correct and that everyone should follow them. When people refuse, they use violence.
• Some groups fight against what they see as oppression. They believe violence is justified to change systems they see as unjust.
• Some groups are just after power and resources. They use terrorism as a weapon.

Global terrorism is often connected. International networks provide money, training and weapons, and terrorists communicate across borders. Al-Qaeda, ISIS and other groups operate in multiple countries.

How does terrorism affect nations?

Terrorism causes direct harm: people die, property is destroyed and communities are traumatised. It also causes indirect harm:

• Government spending goes to security instead of development
• Businesses can’t operate safely
• People are afraid to travel or go to school
• Foreign investors leave
• Economies suffer
• Communities are divided by fear

In Nigeria, terrorism in the north-east has displaced millions. Farming has stopped. Schools have closed. The economy of that region has collapsed.

How is terrorism fought?

Governments fight terrorism through:

• Military operations against terrorist groups
• Intelligence gathering and surveillance
• Police investigations
• International cooperation
• Addressing root causes like poverty and lack of opportunities

Military force alone does not solve terrorism. If the conditions that create terrorism (poverty, lack of jobs, injustice and poor governance) remain, new terrorists emerge. A true solution requires both security operations and action on root causes.

Global issue 2: what is migration?

Migration means people moving from one place to another, often from one country to another.

Why do people migrate?

• Seeking better jobs and opportunities
• Fleeing war or violence
• Escaping persecution
• Reuniting with family
• Studying abroad

Migration is not new, because people have moved for centuries. Modern migration is different in scale and complexity.

What are the migration patterns?

Typically, people move from poor countries to rich countries, and from dangerous areas to safe ones.

From Africa, people migrate to Europe, America and oil-rich Middle Eastern countries. Within Africa, people move from countries with war or poor conditions to countries like Nigeria with more opportunities. Nigerians migrate too. Many go to Europe, America and other places seeking opportunities.

Why does migration matter?

Sending countries

For sending countries (like Nigeria), migration has both good and bad sides:

Receiving countries

For receiving countries, migration is controversial:

The truth is complex. Migration has both benefits and challenges.

What is climate migration?

Climate change is also causing migration. As temperatures rise, droughts increase and flooding happens, people can’t farm or live in their areas. They migrate to find livable places.

In Nigeria, the Sahara is spreading south. Farmers can’t survive, so they migrate south, creating conflict over land and resources. This is climate migration.

What are the challenges of migration?

Illegal migration

Some people migrate illegally, crossing borders without permission. They are vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking and death. Many Nigerians have died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe. This is a tragedy caused by desperation.

Integration

When migrants arrive, integrating them is difficult. Language barriers, cultural differences and discrimination make integration hard.

Exploitation

Migrants sometimes face exploitation, such as low wages, poor conditions and abuse. Without legal protection, they are vulnerable.

Xenophobia

In receiving countries, some citizens resent migrants and discriminate against them.

Global issue 3: what is climate change?

Climate change is perhaps the biggest global challenge. It means the Earth’s average temperature is rising because of human activities, mainly burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas), which release greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the planet.

How does climate change affect Nigeria?

Nigeria is in a vulnerable position. We are in West Africa, an area already hot and dry, and climate change makes it worse.

Desertification

The Sahara is expanding south. Land that was farmable becomes desert. Farmers lose their livelihoods.

Drought and water scarcity

Less rain means less water for drinking, farming and industry. Droughts destroy harvests and cause food shortages.

Flooding

In other areas, rain patterns change and cause severe flooding. Floods destroy homes, crops and infrastructure.

Rising sea levels

Nigeria has a long coastline. Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and communities. Lagos, for example, is at risk of flooding.

Agricultural crisis

Nigeria depends on agriculture. Climate change reduces harvests, so food becomes scarce and expensive. Farmers suffer.

Health problems

Climate change creates conditions for diseases. Heat stress kills people. Drought spreads disease.

Economic impact

When agriculture fails and water is scarce, the economy suffers. Jobs are lost and poverty increases.

Why is climate change a global issue?

Climate change doesn’t respect borders. Greenhouse gases released in America or China affect Nigeria. Rising sea levels in one country affect its neighbours. Droughts in one region affect global food prices. Solving climate change requires global cooperation.

What is being done about climate change?

International agreements:

• Paris Agreement, where countries commit to reducing emissions
• Countries setting targets to use renewable energy
• Development of clean technology

National actions:

• Some countries banning fossil fuels
• Investing in renewable energy
• Protecting forests
• Improving efficiency

Progress is slow. Many countries don’t follow through on commitments, and powerful fossil fuel interests block action.

How are terrorism, migration and climate change connected?

These three issues are connected:

• Climate change causes drought and resource scarcity. When resources are scarce, people compete violently. This creates instability that terrorists exploit.
• Climate change and conflict cause migration. People fleeing war or drought migrate to find safety and resources.
• Migration can create tension and conflict in receiving areas. Conflict can fuel terrorism.
• Terrorism destroys countries and makes them unstable. Instability prevents countries from addressing climate change or managing migration well.

Solving one issue requires addressing the others.

What is Nigeria’s role in global issues?

As a large African nation, Nigeria must address global issues.

On terrorism

Nigeria must:

• Fight terrorist groups in our territory
• Cooperate with international partners
• Address poverty and lack of opportunity that create terrorists
• Protect citizens and communities
• Support regional security efforts

On migration

Nigeria must:

• Protect Nigerians who migrate (especially from trafficking)
• Manage migration into Nigeria (we are a destination country)
• Make good use of the benefits of remittances
• Prevent brain drain by creating opportunities
• Support regional cooperation on migration

On climate change

Nigeria must:

• Reduce our own emissions
• Adapt to climate impacts (through drought-resistant crops and water management)
• Protect our environment (forests and water bodies)
• Invest in renewable energy
• Help vulnerable communities adapt

What can citizens do about these issues?

What can citizens do about terrorism?

Don’t join extremist groups

Extremist groups recruit young people, often online. Don’t be recruited, and don’t believe their ideology.

Report suspicious activity

If you suspect terrorist activity, report it to the authorities.

Support peacebuilding

In your community, promote peace. Build relationships across religious and ethnic lines. Reduce the divisions terrorists exploit.

Address root causes

Support education, job creation and opportunity. When people have hope, they are less likely to join terrorists.

Understand the issues

Learn about why terrorism happens. Understand that terrorists are not representative of any religion. Learn facts instead of stereotypes.

What can citizens do about migration?

Don’t migrate illegally

Illegal migration is dangerous. Traffickers exploit migrants, and many die. If you want to migrate, do it legally.

Support migrants

If migrants come to your community, treat them humanely. Don’t discriminate. Help them integrate.

Advocate for better policies

When the government creates migration policies, make sure they are humane and protect migrants from exploitation.

Create opportunities at home

When young people have jobs and opportunities, they don’t feel desperate to migrate. Support entrepreneurship and job creation.

What can citizens do about climate change?

You can act on climate change right now.

Reduce your carbon footprint

Use less energy. Walk or use public transport instead of cars. Don’t waste electricity or water. Eat less meat. These actions reduce your emissions.

Protect the environment

Don’t litter. Don’t burn waste. Support forest protection. Keep your environment clean.

Use renewable energy

If possible, use solar power at home. Support renewable energy development.

Advocate for climate action

Push for climate policies. Support candidates who take climate seriously. Use social media to raise awareness.

Adapt to climate change

If you are a farmer, try drought-resistant crops. In flooding areas, build drainage systems. Help your community adapt.

Support climate justice

Rich countries caused most climate change, but poor countries suffer most. Advocate for justice: rich countries should help poor countries adapt.

Real examples from Nigeria

Environmental activism

Young Nigerians have organised cleanups, promoted renewable energy and advocated for environmental protection. They are fighting climate change.

Peacebuilding

Organisations work across religious and ethnic lines to reduce conflict that terrorists exploit. This addresses terrorism’s root causes.

Youth migration programmes

Some organisations train young Nigerians for jobs, reducing the desperation that drives illegal migration.

Adaptation programmes

Agricultural programmes teach farmers climate-smart farming techniques to survive drought.

What is your generation’s role?

Your generation will face these global issues more than any before. Climate change will intensify, migration will increase and terrorism will evolve. These issues are not going away soon. You are also the generation with the most knowledge, tools and connectivity to address them.

Your generation can act in these ways:

Think globally, act locally

Understand global issues but act in your community. A climate action project in your school contributes globally.

Build bridges

In your school and community, build relationships across divides. These relationships prevent conflict and terrorism.

Develop solutions

Your generation will develop new technologies, policies and approaches. Start thinking now about solutions.

Stay informed

Read reliable news. Understand global issues. Make informed decisions.

Lead with integrity

Whatever you do about these issues, do it with integrity. Don’t exploit migrants. Don’t support terrorists. Don’t damage the environment for profit.

Be hopeful but realistic

These are serious challenges, but humans have overcome serious challenges before. Have hope, and work hard.

Key points

• Global issues cross borders and affect multiple nations, including Nigeria.
• Terrorism uses violence to spread fear and achieve political goals. Boko Haram has devastated Nigeria. Fighting terrorism requires both military action and action on root causes.
• Migration is people moving between countries. It is caused by poverty, conflict and climate change. It has benefits but also challenges.
• Climate change causes rising temperatures, desertification, drought and flooding, and threatens Nigeria’s agriculture, water and coastal areas.
• The three issues are interconnected: climate change drives migration and instability that terrorists exploit.
• Nigeria must fight terrorism, manage migration and address climate change through government action.
• Citizens can help by not joining extremist groups and reporting suspicious activity; by migrating legally and supporting migrants; and by reducing their carbon footprint, protecting the environment and advocating for climate action.
• Young Nigerians have important roles in addressing global issues through local action, building bridges, developing solutions, staying informed and leading with integrity.

Evaluation

1. How do terrorism, migration and climate change directly affect your life or community?
2. Do you think Nigeria should prioritise fighting terrorism, managing migration or addressing climate change? Why?
3. Have you considered migrating? What would make you want to leave Nigeria? What would make you stay?
4. What is one thing you could do right now to fight climate change?
5. How can your generation address these global issues better than the current generation?
6. What connection do you see between these three issues?

Assignment

Choose one of the three global issues in this lesson (terrorism, migration or climate change). In your notebook, define the issue, explain how it affects Nigeria, and list at least two actions that citizens can take.